Hey Guys,

Thanks for the comments and links to various websites. I came across a couple of very interest posts on the INGO.com (Indiana Gun Owners) website. The author took substantial time to design, measure and record the effects of firing the M855 rounds at steel targets from a variety of distances. See below:

"Effect of M855 Rounds (5.56) on Hardened Steel Targets" - http://ingunowners.com/forums/ammuni...l-targets.html

In the above thread he links to a second post, equally interesting, where he examines the fragmentation patterns of various rounds when striking steel plates from a variety of distances.

"Fragmentation Patterns Off of Steel Targets" - http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...ml#post3550764

Based upon my own research, and the feedback from you folks, I have decided to move the cash that I intended to spend on steel targets to: 1) a good spotting scope, 2) a bunch of wood posts and plywood and 3) the color change targets.

I have an deep arroyo on our property, "U" shaped, where we will place these targets around the base to setup a number of practical shooting applications. I liked the idea of a hard ping signature and the motion of the steel plate to indicate hits; however, the safety issues and the rapid degrading of not inexpensive target plates sealed the deal for me.

Thank you again for your comments.